Roxas names Tuason to take over Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines - Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II has named the replacement of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) chief Vice Admiral Edmund Tan pending resolution of his graft case.

The Sandiganbayan suspended Tan for 90 days in view of a graft case filed against him by businessman Reynaldo Chua.

In a statement, Roxas said Rear Admiral Lino Dabi was designated PCG officer-in-charge since Wednesday until July 15.

Starting July 16, Roxas said Rear Admiral Luis Tuason, who is returning from a trip to Cambodia, would assume the PCG post.

Meanwhile, Tan said he respects the Sandiganbayan ruling but expressed concern that his suspension would create a climate of fear among the PCG personnel.

“Our people in the field would be affected... This happened to me, the highest officer of the PCG, I was suspended, what if this would also happen to those with lower ranks. This will affect their performance. They would be afraid to implement the correct rules and regulations,” Tan said.

But he said he told them not to be bothered by the suspension order against him.

“I told them to just do your job, continue doing the right performance, and just implement the rules and regulations because for as long as you are on the right track, nothing will happen to you,” he said.

Tan also assured the public that the PCG would continue to perform its mandate regardless who is the agency’s head.

“Maybe for me, this is just a temporary setback. Eventually, this would be resolved,” he added.

He admitted that his family was affected by his suspension. “I hope the Sandiganbayan would understand my predicament and they would not drag this case for so long,” he said.

He said he has faith in the judicial system and is confident that his case will eventually be resolved in his favor.

Tan was set to file a motion for reconsideration before the Sandiganbayan yesterday.

Tan said he is also optimistic that his 90-day preventive suspension would be shortened. 

“If by the end of August, the decision would come out and I would be absolved then I could return after that. I have high confidence that this would be resolved in my favor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tan said he believes he continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Aquino. 

He said he sent a text message to the President informing him about his suspension and his plan to file a motion for reconsideration and the Chief Executive texted back expressing his support. – With Lawrence Agcaoili